TROY'S COLUMN — Be grateful I wasn’t your nurse

Thursday

May 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM

When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life; what I did know is there were a few things I would never do....

Troy Krause, Editor

When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.What I did know is there were a few things I would never do.I would never live in Redwood Falls or anywhere within 100 miles of it, and if I ever got married children would not be part of any future plans.I also knew any career I would pursue would have nothing to do with the medical field.I guess one out of three is OK, especially when I am certainly glad the other two did happen.Anyway, because of my unhealthy attitude toward seeing people bleed, throw up or in any other way react in an ill manner, I knew I could never be someone who cared for others. (Of course, it also meant I could never be a mom, but then again there is a physical thing that keeps me from being one of them, too.)What my aversion to health has done is developed in me a greater appreciation for those who care for people like me when I do get sick.This week has been set aside to honor nurses, and I was privileged to talk to a couple of local people who have made nursing their career – demonstrating it is much more than just a job for them, but it is truly their passion.I have a lot of respect for nurses and can say the experiences the Krause clan have had with local nurses has been exceptional. From those nurses who have been in the labor room with each of the seven Krause progeny to those who offered care for my mom as she passed away, I always felt each one of them was there to do more than just collect a paycheck.They really seemed to care.So, this week I want to say thanks to every nurse who has ever been part of the care for me and my loved ones.You are appreciated.…Speaking of appreciation, I want you to know I got some incorrect information which I printed in Monday’s edition.The week set aside to honor law enforcement is not this week but next week.While I meant everything that was written, I just want you to remember it all starting this coming Monday. Get those blue ribbons, and show our local law enforcement how much they are appreciated.I was able to take in the law enforcement memorial service Sunday afternoon and must say it was a very moving event.Speaking with Gary Revier earlier this week, he and I agreed in our initial thought about sitting through the reading of a list of 270 names read one at a time.Let me assure you that thought quickly changed, and as Gary shared it was probably one of the most inspiring two hours of my life. What really got me was seeing the family members and fellow officers stand up to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty. It also really started hitting home when the names read were those I had actually remembered hearing about. It was a tremendous experience, and I encourage you if you have the chance to attend one of these services do it.Also, if you ever have the chance to hear Kurtis Parlin perform, take it. That guy can sing.…Finally, I received an e-mail Tuesday expressing concern about my article on walking. In the article I wrote when you are walking you need to be on the right side of the road. My intent was not for those to be directional instructions but for you to be sure you walked on the “correct” side of the road. If you want to know what side that is, sign up for the walk club at the community center.

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